Have we reached a new baseline for blood collection and transfusion in the United States? National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey, 2023.

Abstract

Background: Data from the National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey (NBCUS) suggest a stabilization in blood collections and transfusions following years of decline. Data from the 2023 NBCUS were analyzed to further understand national trends in US blood availability.

Study design and methods: In February 2024, all community-based (53) and hospital-based (104) blood collection centers, and a sample of transfusing hospitals were surveyed. National estimates were calculated for the number of blood and blood components collected, distributed, transfused, rejected on testing, and outdated in 2023, compared with 2021. Weighting and imputation were used for nonresponses and missing data, respectively.

Results: Overall, 96% of community-based blood centers and 85.7% of transfusing hospitals responded. During 2023, 11,586,000 units of whole blood and apheresis RBCs were collected (95% confidence interval (CI): 11,180,000-11,991,000), and 10,328,000 (95% CI: 9922,000-10,733,000) were transfused, a 1.7% and 4.1% decline compared with 2021, respectively. The total available supply (after outdates and rejections) declined by 0.5%. Total platelet units distributed (2618,000; 95% CI: 2483,000-2753,000) and transfused (2220,000; 95% CI: 2040,000-2400,000) increased by 3.6% and 2.1%, respectively, since 2021. Transfusion of pathogen-reduced platelet units (1258,000) increased by 49.2% since 2021. Plasma distributions (3032,000; 95% CI: 2764,000-3300,000) and transfusions (1882,000; 95% CI: 1765,000-1998,000) declined since 2021. Overall, 123,000 units were rejected on testing for transfusion-transmitted infections.

Discussion: The 2023 NBCUS indicates further stabilization in the blood supply, suggesting the establishment of a new baseline for blood availability.